Rivals Alexander and United battle for title

United hosts Alexander at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the regular-season finale with a share of the district title on the line.

United hosts Alexander at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the regular-season finale with a share of the district title on the line.

Photo: Danny Zaragoza /Laredo Morning Times File

Photo: Danny Zaragoza /Laredo Morning Times File

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United hosts Alexander at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the regular-season finale with a share of the district title on the line.

United hosts Alexander at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the regular-season finale with a share of the district title on the line.

Photo: Danny Zaragoza /Laredo Morning Times File

Rivals Alexander and United battle for title

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There is a lot riding on the final volleyball game of the regular season for the four UISD teams. For the fourth year in a row, rivals Alexander and United will battle for the District 29-6A title while LBJ and United South fight for third place.

No. 19 Alexander and United have either shared or won the district title outright since 2014. In 2013, Alexander, Del Rio and Eagle Pass were tied for the title. The same scenario played out last year when United lost at Alexander but beat the Lady Bulldogs at home for a share of the championship.

The Lady Bulldogs (27-10, 11-0 District 29-6A) have beaten United twice this season, once at the Lady Longhorn Tournament and again in the first round of district play where they overcame a 2-0 deficit and won 3-2 (21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-15, 15-8).

“Rivalry games always bring the best out in our kids. Every year is always a battle, and this year has been no different,” Alexander head coach Ari Bermea-Mendoza said. “It should be a fun, competitive match and we are looking forward to it.”

United (28-6, 10-1) has been solid since dropping that 3-2 heartbreaker. The Lady Longhorns are preparing to defend their home court as the Lady Bulldogs are looking to not share the title with anyone this year.

“This is one of the moments that we have been waiting to have, the final match of district play, and we’re so excited to close at home,” United head coach Lety Longoria said. “We have a lot of faith in our team, and I want for them to have fun on the court, play with the heart and the passion they have for the game and for their friends and family. I can’t wait to be on the court with our girls as we play out an exciting and competitive rivalry game.”

Rivals LBJ and United South also have riding a lot in their regular-season finale. Third place is on the line when United South travels to face the Lady Wolves at 7 p.m.

“It is always great to end district play at our house,” LBJ head coach Selina Garcia said. “We have worked hard all season and fought hard each game, and we are going to continue to do just that. South is a great team and we know it’s going to be a battle until the end. Our girls are focused and ready.”

Whoever wins Tuesday night between LBJ and United South secures third place. A United South win guarantees the Lady Panthers third place. A United South loss and an Eagle Pass loss to Del Rio would put the Lady Panthers in fourth place. A United South loss and an Eagle Pass win would put them in a tie for the fourth and final spot, and a play-in game would be later on this week.

“We understand there’s a lot at stake with this game,” United South head coach Debbie Martinez said. “LBJ is a very good team and we’re ready to take on this challenge. The girls are prepared and we’re coming in with a lot of positive momentum. It’s going to be a battlefield I’m sure the fans will enjoy.”

Their first meeting was a four-set thriller that packed the stands. United South beat LBJ 3-1 (25-15, 16-25, 25-20, 25-21) as Ariana Guerra pounded 15 kills and Evelyn Cruz added 13 for the Lady Panthers.

LBJ (24-10, 6-5) took down Nixon 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-17) on Saturday. United South (24-12, 5-6) is coming off a four-set loss to United, but the Lady Panthers put one solid set together where they showed their true potential.

Martin has a shot at the playoffs on the line as it hosts Alice at 6:30 p.m. while Cigarroa and Nixon already finished their seasons over the weekend. The Lday Tigers (17-7, 4-7 District 29-6A) need a win and a loss from Calallen (5-6) to force a play-in game after winning 3-0 at Calallen last week to split the series.

Harmony is playing for pride as it welcomes Cotulla at 6 p.m. to close out its first varsity season.